stephendhoffman Reviews

Fool's Paradise (2023)

Critics ratings way too harsh

[7/10 · 12 May 2023]

I wasn't going to rate or review this movie, but saw the current critic rating (very low at the time of this writing) and felt compelled to share my thoughts. This movie is not bad - it's not even a slow burn, although a little alternative (much like Day himself). The acting is great and very funny, the story is nice (with a sweet ending) and the spoof/satire of how Hollywood functions is enjoyable throughout. You probably won't love the movie, but you won't regret seeing it. My only complaint was the film seems a little lost when Common's character is introduced, but even then, it wasn't that bad.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Disjointed

[4/10 · 17 March 2023]

Although rated PG-13, the movie is strangely written to appeal to a PG audience. I'm not trying to make too much of ratings, what I'm expressing is the overall disjointed feel of the movie. Had they simply appealed to a more kid-friendly demo, the movie probably would have felt normal. Instead, it's overly immature and feels unsure of where it's going. The story makes little sense and is overall unfamiliar. And not in a good, want-to-know-more way, but in a ran-out-of-ideas way.

Also, Hollywood making a child's character gay is super weird & uncomfortable. Making a supporting role/character more interesting can be done without sexualizing them.

Four Christmases (2008)

Great Christmas movie

[9/10 · 1 December 2020]

I'm dumbfounded by the horrible reviews for this movie and the below 6/10 rating. 'Four Christmases' is a funny movie to watch during the Christmas season which delivers a pretty good message: intentionally childless, entertainment focused, urban couples aren't the best at appreciating the struggles and joys of family, yet their avoidance from such a lifestyle doesn't itself meet anticipated fulfillment. You'll be disappointed if you'd expected a romantic comedy; for Vince Vaughn to star in a lead role yet somehow not act in his usual fashion; something your toddler would enjoy. Instead, you'll get light-blue one-liners delivered in the context of ridiculous, and funny, situations.